A recent federal study conducted by researchers from various health organizations has shed light on the care provided to Medicare beneficiaries following nonfatal overdoses. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, revealed that out of 137,000 Medicare beneficiaries who experienced a nonfatal overdose in 2020, 17.4% went on to experience another nonfatal overdose, with 1% eventually succumbing to overdose-related deaths within the following year.
The study highlighted the importance of effective interventions in reducing the risk of subsequent overdoses and mortality. According to the findings, individuals who received medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone and buprenorphine, as well as naloxone, had significantly lower odds of dying from an overdose in the subsequent year. Behavioral health assessment and crisis services were also found to reduce the risk of overdose mortality by 75%.
Despite the clear benefits of these interventions, the study also uncovered significant gaps in care. Only a small percentage of beneficiaries received medications for opioid use disorder or filled prescriptions for naloxone, which are considered essential interventions in overdose prevention. Moreover, those who did receive medications often faced delays, waiting an average of 72 days post-overdose to receive treatment.
On a positive note, the study revealed that 89% of beneficiaries in the cohort received behavioral health services following their nonfatal overdose, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care in preventing future overdoses. However, the low rates of medication provision and delays in treatment initiation indicate a need for improved access to and delivery of lifesaving interventions for individuals at risk of overdose.
The lead researcher of the study, Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, emphasized the critical role of medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, and behavioral health support in saving lives and preventing overdose-related deaths. The study’s findings underscore the urgent need to enhance the delivery of these interventions to individuals who have experienced nonfatal overdoses, ultimately reducing the risk of subsequent overdoses and fatalities.
